Tech Policy and Geopolitics Advisor

Focus of the Role

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) is a not-for-profit organisation which advises reforming political leaders and governments on strategy, policy and delivery, with technology as an enabler across all three functions.  In so doing we make a significant and positive impact for citizens around the world.

Job Introduction

This new role, located in Brussels, and part of the newly formed Strategy and Partnerships department, is critical to delivering TBI’s ambition.

The Advisor will lead the effort to scope and understand developments in Tech policy and regulation in Europe and EU and Members States external policy and programmes focusing on Tech.  The aim is to facilitate interaction between the Insitute and key actors in the European tech policy space leveraging TBIs expertise and experience.

Consolidating our reputation and role in informing Tech and Tech development policy is a critical part of the role with the ambition of enabling TBI to be the ‘go to’ organisation for progressive leaders and governments for whom we deliver: Policy; Strategy, Delivery, with Tech as a horizontal.

This position informs, helps leverage TBI expertise and relationships in Europe relevant to our mission and serves as a policy ‘bridge’ between UK tech policy and EU tech policy.  It will leverage our unique global advisory work to inform and mutually re-enforce Global Tech strategy and programmes.

Success in this role will be measured by the profile, influence and engagement of TBI content and experts in the EU and key member countries on tech.

The role requires being propositional as well as supportive and facilitating inbound requests for support. Understanding the goals on the Institute and interacting collaboratively with colleagues across TBI, being well networked and relevant will be key tasks in this role. 

This role requires a detailed understanding of the Tech policy agenda, of EU decision making processes and mechanisms and the actors within them – including a solid existing network of some of the key actors (decision makers and policy influencers).  Excellent technical skills (understanding the issues and technology), an ability to appreciate and communicate the implications and impact of tech policy and regulations in lay person’s terms, good networking skills, agile, creative and joined up thinking to spot developments and opportunities relevant to TBIs mission will be required.  As a new position in a new innovative and energised team, the role will be exciting and creative with potential for success and personal growth.

Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the EU and we will be sifting applications as they are received given the priority of delivery of our work in country and the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop TBI Tech Policy Europe strategy and outline the ambition
• Set and deliver annual OKRs
• Working with the Director and Brussels team and in close collaboration with colleagues in TPP and Government Advisory, create a workplan with targets and activities including an outreach strategy aligned to the organisational strategy on Tech (Policy and Regulation and Global)
• Support the Director to develop, build and nurture strategic partnerships on Tech with EU institutions, Member States and their agencies, Tech networks, think tanks and other stakeholders to advocate and promote TBI’s work
• Oversee the monitoring and analysis of the EU Tech landscape and trends and advise TBI colleagues on opportunities to inform EU policy and decision making in service of TBI’s mission goals
• Identify opportunities for policy dialogue with the EU. Coordinate policy dialogue with the EU level (European Commission, Council, European Parliament, EU MS, as applicable), connecting and leveraging capacities of TBI HQ and country teams, including coordinating expert policy advice
• Represent TBI and foster collaboration with other organisations on behalf of TBI. Represent and support representation of TBI at events, conferences, working groups and meetings in Brussels/EU
• Coordinate the preparation of comprehensive and substantive briefs, reports, statistics for TBI leadership, also in context of meetings with high-level officials from the EU and member states

Key internal relationships: Director Brussels office, TPP and Tech colleagues in Global Client Solutions, Global Advisory teams and department colleagues.

Person Specification

This post would be a fit for a talented and motivated individual with proven understanding of the policy landscape and science of Tech and experience and established networks in the European Tech space, ideally in public policy. 

• Relevant experience in Tech policy in the EU context (think tank or advocacy on policy and regulation and/or Tech programmes globally)
• Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree relevant to the role (e.g. public affairs, international/ European studies and/or Computer science, IT)  and/or equivalent practical experience
• Excellent knowledge of the European Union and its institutions, their workings and structures
• Solid overview of the Tech policy landscape and issues in Europe and globally.
• Clear understanding of Computer science and ability to communicate the science, issues and implications of technology development and tech regulation. 
• Ability to develop and maintain key relationships both with external actors and contacts and within TBI with the capability and temperament to network and collaborate with TBI Tech policy colleagues in London and global Tech hubs as well as TBI Tech advisors working for governments
• Impact focussed and the ability to develop and adapt plans for successful delivery of challenging objectives
• Research and writing skills, preparation and presentation of PowerPoint decks and reports for TBI colleagues and leadership.
• Excellent networking and diplomatic skills and the ability to work autonomously and with imagination as well as to tap into and collaborate with colleagues in a highly matrixed organisation
• Good written and oral communication skills in English and at least one other EU language
• A proven self-starter and is entrepreneurial in spirit and passionate about the possibilities of Tech as a tool for progressive transformation.
• Keenly interested in the work of TBI and share in our mission and values

Please note, it is essential you have an existing right to work in EU to apply for this role.
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About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Government Advisory teams work directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It works with a variety of partners and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas: 

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics; 
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and 
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork 
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity 
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\'re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.